A guided tour following the footsteps of Dante Alighieri in Ravenna
A guided tour following the footsteps of Dante Alighieri in Ravenna
After his exile from Florence in 1302, Dante Alighieri embarked on a period of itinerant life, finding refuge and hospitality at various Italian courts. During these years, the poet devoted himself intensely to the writing of his most important work, the Divine Comedy. However, it was only in 1318 that Dante found a period of peace and stability in Ravenna, where he was invited by Guido Novello da Polenta, the lord of the city and a passionate patron of the arts.
In Ravenna, Dante spent the last years of his life, a period that proved crucial for the completion of his most famous work. Here, immersed in the serenity of the city and inspired by its artistic and natural wonders, Dante completed the third and final part of the Comedy, the Paradiso. The magnificence of the Byzantine mosaics, which still adorn Ravenna’s churches, and the beauty of the surrounding pine forest, described by the poet as “dense and lively,” deeply influenced his vision of the celestial paradise. These elements, imbued with symbolism and spirituality, are reflected in the luminous and transcendent images that populate the final cantica.
Dante died in Ravenna during the night between September 13 and 14, 1321, likely due to a malarial fever contracted during a diplomatic trip to Venice. His remains were initially buried in a chapel in the cemetery of the Franciscan Convent. However, veneration for the poet grew over the centuries, and in 1780, the tomb was rebuilt in the form of the neoclassical temple that we can admire today in the area known as the Dante Zone, a place of pilgrimage for scholars and enthusiasts from around the world.
The Dante-themed tour offers an immersive journey through the historic district where Dante spent his final years and where his remains now rest. The visit includes an essential stop at the Basilica of San Francesco, the site where the poet’s funeral was held in September 1321. This ancient building, known for its flooded crypt, helps preserve the memory of Dante Alighieri in Ravenna.
The tour continues to the nearby Franciscan cloisters, now home to the Dante Museum. This museum, located in the heart of the monastic complex, houses a collection of historical and artistic testimonies related to the celebration of Dante Alighieri in Ravenna, offering insight into the connection between the poet and the city.
The Dante itinerary also includes a visit to Dante’s House, an exhibition space that gathers works of art related to the poet, some of which come from the prestigious Uffizi Galleries in Florence.
A guided tour in the footsteps of Dante Alighieri in Ravenna is not just a journey through history and literature but also an opportunity to understand the profound influence this city had on one of the greatest geniuses of Western culture. Along this path, you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere that inspired Dante, discovering the places that welcomed him and preserved his memory for centuries to come.
Contact me to organize your visit; I will be happy to provide you with all the information you need.
Piazza San Francesco, in front of the church of St Francesco.
Upon request, I can also meet you at another location in the city center.
2 hours
This tour includes a visit to the following places:
Luana is an outstanding guide. Her knowledge of the complex history of Ravenna allows her to make these spectacular sites come to life. We are grateful for her expertise and for making this an amazing experience!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Louise from U.K.
We had a great tour with Luana through the wonderful mosaics in Ravenna. Luana was an exceptional guide. She is full of knowledge and made the experience interesting for the whole family, including teenagers. She has a quiet, unhurried style of guiding which is relaxing and pleasant. Her English is perfect and she explained everything so well, as well as answering any questions.
We did the 2pm tour which allowed us to have lunch first, and the monuments weren’t crowded. Luana had excellent communication before the tour, and ensured we got back to our train in time afterwards. Definitely recommend this tour.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ David from U.S.A.
Luana is an excellent guide and we had a wonderful morning learning about Ravenna and the mosaics. She is very knowledgeable, relaxed and easy to talk to. Her English is excellent. We highly recommend her as a guide.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jim & Lisa from U.S.A.
For us, Luana’s tour brought the history of Ravenna and its Unesco sites to life. Luana is clearly an expert on the subject and shares her knowledge in a very relatable way. Ravenna and this tour by Luana are a highlight of our visit to Italy!